How Hamish Linklater Tried To Find His Batman Voice For Caped Crusader

As a gamer with a soft spot for animated series and a deep appreciation for Batman, I’ve been eagerly watching the evolutions of our beloved Dark Knight. Having grown up with the iconic Batman: The Animated Series, the legacy left by Kevin Conroy is undeniable. Yet, when Hamish Linklater stepped into the cowl for Prime Video’s Batman: Caped Crusader, I was intrigued by his unique approach to embodying the character.


Over the weekend, Batman: Caped Crusader made its debut on Prime Video, and though opinions among fans were divided, it’s currently holding a Metacritic score of 81. The influence of Batman: The Animated Series is evident, given Bruce Timm’s role as showrunner; yet, it stands distinctly apart. Recognizing the legacy of Caped Crusader, Hamish Linklater knew he had to create his unique interpretation of the iconic character.

At this year’s Comic-Con, I found myself in conversation with TopMob, who shared an insightful perspective about playing a role posthumously influenced by the legendary Kevin Conroy. He confided that attempting to outshine such a towering figure was impossible, so he chose instead to honor and embrace Kevin’s shadow, striving to pay homage to his remarkable performance as Midnight Mass’ character.

“I grew particularly fond of Batman: The Animated Series and its voice seems to have left an indelible mark on me, almost like it’s a part of my genetic makeup. If you subscribe to string theory, as I believe Minnie does, those resonances, they linger forever.”

Looking back on my own journey, I recall the countless hours spent honing my craft, perfecting my auditions for that coveted role. The endless tapes, the tireless efforts to get it just right, all for a dream that seemed unattainable. I knew deep down that my chances were slim, but I continued to push myself, driven by an inner fire.

The main distinction lies in how Conroy depicts Batman as a seasoned Dark Knight, while the Caped Crusader is still quite new to his role, having only been in it for less than a month. Linklater mentioned that this shared trait was something they both possessed.

As a novice voiceover artist, I find myself dipping into my personal experiences more often than not. My past, after all, is a rich tapestry of emotions and events that lend authenticity to my performances. Whether it’s the excitement of a first adventure or the melancholy of a heartbreak, these memories serve as my creative fuel. It’s my hope that by sharing fragments of my life through my work, I can connect with listeners on a deeper level.

Season 1 of Batman: Caped Crusader is available exclusively on Prime Video.

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2024-08-05 20:39